The article, “Regional Variation in Opioid-Related Emergency Medical Services Transfers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis,” has been published in SAj.
In this commentary, the authors state that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted public infrastructure and healthcare utilization. However, regional variation in opioid-related harm secondary to COVID-19 remains poorly understood. This study aimed to measure the regional variation in the association between stay-at-home orders (SAHOs) and nonfatal opioid-related emergency medical services (EMS) transfers in the United States.
In the AUTHORS’ OWN WORDS, they relate the importance of their work:
“Changes in the frequency and characteristics of EMS visits may be an advanced indicator of changes in opioid morbidity. Prior evidence demonstrated a nationwide increase in EMS transfers following state-level stay-at-home order (SAHO) implementation. Regional variation in this phenomenon, however, remains unmeasured. The United States is a vast country with significant sociodemographic variation at the regional level. Measuring regional differences in the trajectory of opioid-related morbidity in the wake of SAHO implementation can provide policymakers and public health authorities with useful information to focus future opioid response efforts. Therefore, this study aimed to measure regional variation in nonfatal opioid overdose-related EMS transfer activity before and after implementing the US COVID-19 SAHO.”
“This study highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to address the opioid overdose epidemic, including ensuring access to quality healthcare, mental health services, and addiction treatment. These changes will require collaboration among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to address the root causes of the overdose crisis. Public health organizations and policymakers can also use these findings at a regional level to develop effective strategies and prevention programs to mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis.”